The world's best department store food halls

La Grande Epicerie in Paris.Yelp/La Grande EpicerieEnter food halls, the upscale and decadent dining solution for a market of hungry shoppers with diverse tastes (or picky children). Although they may serve the same fundamental purpose as food courts, halls tend to offer artisanal goods, outposts of acclaimed local restaurants, chef-driven menus, and not a single Panda Express in sight. Food courts are usually located in the mall — think tile floors, dingy atriums, and a perpetual smell of grease — but the food hall trend emerged from a different type of shopping center: the department store. Originally popular in Europe and Asia, the worldwide trend has gained significant momentum over the past few years. Currently, you won't find any food halls within U.S. department stores, the forthcoming West Coast Eataly will be located in Los Angeles' Westfield Century City mall, and Birmingham's soon-to-open Pizitz Food Hall will be in a building formerly occupied by a department store — each paying homage to the origins of this movement. While we wait for a domestic one to open, in the meantime, check out some of the most over-the-top department store food halls around the globe.

1/

6th Floor Kadewe Food Hall, Berlin, Germany

Known for being the largest delicatessen department in Europe—the space sells over 35,000 products—it's safe to say that the challenge here is deciding what to eat. In addition to take-home goodies available for purchase, visitors can experience a meal from one of the 150 chefs and 30 gourmet bars that have taken up residence on the sixth floor. The space also offers an in-house bakery, known for its breads, and a patisserie that crafts delectables for sweet-minded patrons.

2/

Harrods Food Hall, London, United Kingdom

In a nod to Harrods' roots as a wholesale grocery, the current London flagship store features an entire floor dedicated to a luxury food hall. The popular tourist spot offers a variety of restaurants, counters, purchasable goods, and wine, beer, and spirits producers. It even sells "hampers" of local goods to bring home (which, in our opinion, is the perfect souvenir). With such gorgeous foods on display, Harrods Food Hall puts a new meaning to the saying "you eat with your eyes first."

3/

The Basement Food Floor at Takashimaya, Tokyo, Japan

One of the best-known and most iconic food halls in the world, the basement floor at Takashimaya is often seen as a catalyst of the modern movement. Food halls located in department stores are called depachika in Japan, and this one—located at the Times Square location in Tokyo—is undeniably one of the most extravagant. Visitors can purchase hot prepared food, Japanese desserts, and local epicurean goods.

Located in the hip fashion district of Seoul's Myeong-dong, the Lotte main branch houses a spectacular food court that mixes Eastern and Western dishes. Whether you're craving a traditional hot meal or a trendy dessert, the breadth of stalls ensures that everyone can find what they're craving at this food hall.

5/

Gourmet Promenade at El Palacio de Hierro, Mexico City, Mexico

Reopened last year following a $300-million renovation, the flagship store of El Palacio de Hierro is right at home in the upscale Polanco district of Mexico City. The department chain is one of the most high-end stores in Mexico, and its opulent food hall offers local and international cuisines. Features include an authentic Mexican restaurant, local street vendors, a tapas concept, pizza oven, and a Starbucks Reserve shop—the brand's rare tasting room concept—in addition to an almost 17,000-square-foot terrace.

6/

Globus Delicatessen, Zurich, Switzerland

It's nearly impossible to walk into the Globus Delicatessen (the food hall in the Swiss department store, Globus) and leave empty-handed—or with an empty stomach. The space offers everything from a sushi bar to a fine wine collection, with a bustling scene catering to visitors seeking everything in between.

7/

La Grande Épicerie, Paris, France

In a city known for its opulence and grandeur, La Grande Épicerie still stands out as a postcard-worthy experience you'll never forget. Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to Paris without trotting over to Le Bon Marché's sumptuous food hall and tasting its renowned macarons. There's plenty more to indulge in around this food hall, too, such as foie gras, fresh produce, truffles, specialty cheeses, wine, and candies.

8/

Magasin du Nord, Copenhagen, Denmark

While you may visit for the department store, you'll certainly stay for the basement food hall. Offering up a spread of Danish delights, visitors should be sure to check out the specialty chocolate and licorice stalls. The store also offers a café on the top floor with sprawling views of the city.

9/

Lafayette Gourmet at Galeries Lafayette, Paris, France

As if it had to one-up Harrods, Lafayette Gourmet takes over two floors of the Galeries Lafayette in Paris. The space encompasses a fine foods deli, which offers a range of specialty brands and selections including foie gras, truffles, oysters, and chocolates. The food hall also offers a traditional butcher counter and multiple restaurants.